Many things we can’t control happen all over the world, and we can’t keep those tragic ones from reaching our kids, given today’s quick access to the news on television and via social media. But how can we best handle and explain these events to them? Here are some tips to assure them and push away any sense of misunderstanding.
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| Image source: nationclix.com |
One is to outright turn off the television or the radio or live streaming from phones when the news is being broadcast. It’s very important that any stimulus of bad news reach our kids in moderation. It’s best if they hear such news from someone they love, like you as a parent, instead of a reporter on TV. Also, it prevents them from witnessing graphic details that often come on screen.
Secondly, ensure that your decisions are age-appropriate. A 6th grader, for example, is more receptive and understanding that your four-year-old kid. Don’t forget to sit down with your child, especially if you suspect that they have seen news that’s difficult to grasp. Be honest, and explain in basic terms what you know; never embellish nor invent a different ending. But keep in mind that they don’t need to be told all the gritty details.
Finally, listen to your children and pay attention to each question as needed. While they might not have any queries now, they can have a bunch of them in the future. It is crucial that they can properly process these events, as these will manifest in the way they interact with other kids as well as with siblings.
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| Image source: mothermag.com |
Hi there, my name’sWalter J. Viola , and I’m a psychology student attending UC Berkeley for my graduate studies. My goal is to become a family therapist. For more on my writings on the subject, do check out this blog.
